Long time lurker on this list but first time post.
>From
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6059726.stm
<snip>
Internet user admits 'web-rage'
An internet user has been found guilty of what police said was Britain's
first "web-rage" attack.
Paul Gibbons, 47, tracked down John Jones using details obtained online
after the pair exchanged insults in an internet chatroom, a court
heard.
He travelled 70 miles to Mr Jones' home in Clacton, Essex, and beat him
up with a pickaxe handle in December 2005.
Gibbons, of Southwark, south London, admitted unlawful wounding and will
be sentenced on 7 November.
Threatening exchanges
The pair met in an internet chatroom called Yahoo, Islam 10 as both had
an interest in the Muslim faith, the Old Bailey was told.
Their exchanges soured after Gibbons accused Mr Jones of spreading
rumours about him.
"There was an exchange of views between the victim and the defendant
which were threatening on both sides," said prosecutor Ibitayo Adebayo.
Gibbons, a man with a violent past, traced Mr Jones to his home using
personal details about himself that he had put online.
Cut with a knife
Gibbons arrived at Mr Jones' home armed and accompanied by another man
carrying a machete, the court heard.
Mr Jones, whose partner and three children were in the house, opened the
door holding a knife for protection, said Mr Adebayo.
A fight broke out during which Mr Jones was disarmed and beaten with the
pickaxe handle and cut with the knife.
Gibbons fled after the victim's partner called for help. Mr Jones
suffered cuts to his head, neck and hands.
Det Cons Christopher Creagh, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "This is
the first instance of a web-rage attack."
Det Sgt Jean-Marc Bazzoni, of Essex Police, added the case demonstrates
the importance of protecting one's identity on the internet.
"Mr Jones had posted pictures of his family on the web and had chatted
to Gibbons on an audio link," he said.
"It demonstrates how easily other users can put two and two together and
also shows how children could also find themselves in danger"
Regards
Gordon Darling